Ulysses Owens Jr. and The USO Project

Ulysses Owens Jr. (drummer) is increasingly in high demand to perform with acclaimed artists due to his clear musical and lyrical approach on the drums. Ulysses fully embraces the improvisational dimension of percussion and effectively provides rhythmic “fire” without overstepping his complementary role. In addition to his previous ETJ engagements and recent extensive touring with Kurt Elling, Ulysses performs with many other acclaimed group leaders including Mulgrew Miller, Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Kenny Barron and Regina Carter.

Sullivan Fortner (pianist) “has a McCoy Tyner-like ability to fill the spaces behind a horn player's solo and then step forward with musical insights of his own.” His coloristic chords and melodic creativity contribute to the group’s solid rhythmic foundation. Sullivan has performed with outstanding musicians including Clyde Kerr Jr., Kent Jordan, Donald Harrison and Nicholas Payton.

Tim Green (saxophonist), a 2007 graduate of USC’s Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (Masters Degree), submerges himself in the study of jazz greats including John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker. Exhibiting his own voice, Tim has performed with jazz greats including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Terence Blanchard, Roy Hargrove, Wayne Shorter, Kenny Burrell, Gary Bartz, and Wynton Marsalis.

Alicia Olatuja, a mezzo-soprano with a very smooth and textured voice, won the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition four consecutive years (2000 through 2003); in the spring of 2005 she made her Carnegie Hall debut. While reminiscent of legendary jazz vocalists, Alicia accents lyrics and melody with a distinctly original flare.

Ben Williams (bassist) returns to the ETJ stage following his December 2007 accompaniment of vocalist Denise Thimes. Winner of the International Society of Bassists (2005) jazz competition, Ben has firmly placed himself among the best of the emerging bassists of his generation. He has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Mulgrew Miller, Bobby Watson, Cyrus Chestnut, Bobby Watson, Winard Harper, Buster Williams and Wycliffe Gordon.